French and U.S. service members rehearse for the Military Parade on Bastille Day

“During the centennial of America’s entry into World War I, we commemorate America’s sons and daughters who defended peace – many of them descendants of European immigrants who came to America seeking freedom, opportunity and a better life,” said General Scaparrotti. “Amidst the horrors of war, over 4 million Americans served in World War I and more than 100,000 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice.”

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael McNabbJul 13, 2017

5 photos: French and U.S. service members rehearse for the Military Parade on Bastille Day

Photo 1 of 5: SATORY, France (July 12, 2017) The U.S. formation marching in the Military Parade on Bastille Day in Paris, France, July 14, 2017, is reviewed as part of the final rehearsal. This year, the U.S. will lead the parade as the country of honor in commemoration of the centennial of U.S. entry into World War I – as well as the long-standing partnership between France and the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael McNabb/Released) Download full-resolution version

5 photos: French and U.S. service members rehearse for the Military Parade on Bastille Day

Photo 2 of 5: PARIS (July 12, 2017) Almost 200 U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen assigned to units in Europe and the 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, stand in ranks during a rehearsal for the Military Parade on Bastille Day to be held July 14, 2017. This year, the U.S. will lead the parade as the country of honor in commemoration of the centennial of U.S. entry into World War I – as well as the long-standing partnership between France and the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael McNabb/Released) Download full-resolution version

5 photos: French and U.S. service members rehearse for the Military Parade on Bastille Day

Photo 3 of 5: 170712-N-AC979-431 SATORY, France (July 12, 2017) U.S. Soldiers from1st Infantry Division meet a French service member during a break in rehearsal for the Military Parade on Bastille Day to be held in Paris, France, July 14, 2017. A U.S. formation consisting of almost 200 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen, most of them assigned to units in Europe, will lead this year’s parade as the country of honor in commemoration of the centennial of U.S. entry into World War I – as well as the long-standing partnership between France and the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael McNabb/Released) Download full-resolution version

5 photos: French and U.S. service members rehearse for the Military Parade on Bastille Day

Photo 4 of 5: PARIS (July 12, 2017) Almost 200 U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen assigned to units in Europe and the 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, march from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde during a rehearsal for the Military Parade on Bastille Day to be held July 14, 2017. This year, the U.S. will lead the parade as the country of honor in commemoration of the centennial of U.S. entry into World War I – as well as the long-standing partnership between France and the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael McNabb/Released) Download full-resolution version

5 photos: French and U.S. service members rehearse for the Military Parade on Bastille Day

Photo 5 of 5: SATORY, France (July 12, 2017) French and U.S. service members march during a rehearsal for the Military Parade on Bastille Day to be held in Paris, France, July 14, 2017. A U.S. formation consisting of almost 200 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines will lead the parade as the country of honor in commemoration of the centennial of U.S. entry into World War I – as well as the long-standing partnership between France and the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael McNabb/Released) Download full-resolution version

A historic first, nearly 200 American service members will lead the Military Parade on Bastille Day, July 14, 2017, along the famous Champs-Elysées in Paris in commemoration of the U.S. entry into WWI.

The French government traditionally invites a country of honor to lead the parade, which is linked to a historical event and highlights a symbolic gesture of friendship.

“France stood with us during the American Revolution and that strategic partnership endures today,” said General Curtis Scaparrotti, Commander, U.S. European Command. “On behalf of the 60,000 service members standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the French to ensure Europe is whole, free and at peace, we are honored to lead the Bastille Day Parade and help celebrate the French independence.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. President Donald Trump, and many more dignitaries are scheduled to attend the event while more than 3,765 people participate in the parade. On July 6, 1880, the French Parliament passed an act declaring July 14 a national holiday to mark the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. As part of nationwide celebrations, a traditional military parade is held.

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and an F-22 are slated to conduct flyovers. The U.S. served as the country of honor and led the parade for the first time ever, according to the Center of Military History.

The partnerships forged in war a hundred years ago endure today as U.S. forces in Europe remain steadfast in their commitment to European Allies and partners, ensuring Europe is whole, free, and at peace.

“During the centennial of America’s entry into World War I, we commemorate America’s sons and daughters who defended peace – many of them descendants of European immigrants who came to America seeking freedom, opportunity and a better life,” said General Scaparrotti. “Amidst the horrors of war, over 4 million Americans served in World War I and more than 100,000 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice.”

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